Makin’ Strides for Strays

All Makin' Strides for Strays 2025 photos can be found here! 📷

Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 30,000 animals into loving homes. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide pets not just life-saving care, but also the love and respect that they deserve. Makin' Strides for Strays helps us continue our commitment to rescue, compassionate care, and uniting pets with loving families "Until Every Pet Has A Home."

Support our mission by joining us for our cornerstone event!  Participants can enjoy a timed 5K walk or run, followed by a vibrant family festival including music, unique vendors, contests, games, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you're a pet lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun day out, Makin' Strides for Strays promises something for everyone. Bring your loved ones (pets included) and join us to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals.

Every dollar raised for Makin' Strides for Strays ensures A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter has the resources to care for and protect every animal that comes through our doors. Please consider giving what you can - either through a donation or by joining us and helping us raise money for this life-saving cause. 

Your support today will make second chances possible for the animals that need us most. Together, we can make a better world. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

What to Expect:

Scenic Course: Enjoy a 3.1-mile walk/run around Mastodon Lake.
Family Festival: Makin’ Strides for Strays isn’t just a 5k, it’s a fest for the whole family (dogs included)! Grab a bite to eat, shop our vendors, register for a dog contest, partake in family-friendly activities & more!
Celebrate A.D.O.P.T.: Join us in 2026 as we celebrate the 33nd year of this beloved event!
Team Spirit: Team up with friends or Fido and conquer the 3.1 miles together.
Post-Race Party: Celebrate your achievement with live music, delicious food and beverages, and plenty of high fives.

Registration includes a Strides t-shirt, A.D.O.P.T. Bandana (for pets in attendance), Swag Bag & admission (while supplies last). 

There is no fee to attend the fest, but donations are encouraged!

UNABLE TO ATTEND?

That's okay! Walk or run in your own neighborhood on June 7th or stay home and gather donations to support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

5K Day-of Registration is $45. 

Race packet pick-up will take place Friday, 6/5, noon - 7 p.m. and 8:30 on race day. 
(Friday pick-up at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.)

We encourage all participants to fundraise for the shelter! 

$50 ➡ Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Sticker  

$100 ➡ Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Foldable Tote

$250 ➡ A.D.O.P.T. Adventure Leash
$500 ➡ Love Knows No Breed Notepad + 🎨 Paw-casso Experience
Create a one-of-a-kind abstract artwork alongside a shelter dog or cat during a guided enrichment session. Take home a meaningful keepsake while supporting animal wellbeing.

$1000 ➡ Above items + Choose 1 Premium Experience

📸 Pet Photo Session
Professional photo session with you and your pet. Includes a private digital gallery with downloadable images.

🐾 Choose Their Day
Help design a special enrichment day for a shelter animal with treats, toys, activities, and guided interaction. Receive photos from the experience.

5K AWARDS

First place awards to the top Male and Female finishers! 

Medals will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd Male & Female 5K participants in these categories: 

9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over.